Last update:

   19-Sep-2022
 

Arch Hellen Med, 39(5),September-October 2022, 590-600

REVIEW

Psychosocial characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis, and their coping strategies

G. Katsaras,1,2 P. Samartzi1
1Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Pella – Hospital Unit of Edessa, Edessa,
2Second Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically transmitted deadly disease of the Caucasian race. The clinical picture of CF is highly variable and it can present from early infancy to several years later. Untoward events that may arise from the disease, and from its treatment, can challenge the patient and his(her) parents-caregivers, both emotionally and physically, resulting in a variety of psychosocial disturbances. A chronic illness, such as CF, can disrupt the life of a sick child and his or her family. As ways of dealing with this, the children, in order to avoid being harmed by the various stressors, may adopt a variety behaviors, thoughts and feelings, some positive and some negative, that serve to prevent, avoid or control the emotional distress. A corresponding psychosocial impact is observed in the other family members. This paper summarizes the various psychosocial characteristics associated with CF and the coping strategies of the affected children and their families, based on the age group, as they grow and develop throughout during the course of the disease.

Key words: Chronic disease, Coping strategies, Cystic fibrosis, Psychosocial characteristics.


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